Vivitar 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens (f/3.5-4.5)

Review of the Vivitar 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5 MC Macro Focusing Zoom Lens (f/3.5-4.5).

Overall Rating:

The age of this made-in-Japan lens is roughly 36 to 44 years. It was an inexpensive option so it has no low dispersion glass elements and no aspherical elements as this was manufactured before the time that aspherical elements were common. Were it manufactured today, for high resolution digital cameras, then if would most certainly have low dispersion and aspherical elements. Aspherical elements help zooms like this increase sharpness in the corners. This lens was manufactured by Kobori Japan.

The "macro" function can only be entered at a focal length of 85mm and achieves a magnification ratio of approximately 0.2×.

Vivitar — macro (1:5) shot of sunflower (detail)

Performance

Sharpness/contrast is not great. A small amount of focus breathing is present (see depth of field calculator). This lens has heavy vignetting. There is moderate color fringing. The image starts to dull due to diffraction at around f/8, and distortion is well-controlled so it's good for photographing architecture.

Flaring & Ghosting

The lens does exhibit some flaring and ghosting.

Bokeh

There is LoCA evident in the bokeh and this drags down the bokeh and color fringing score, otherwise the bokeh is fine.

Infrared

Infrared photography shows a very faint infrared hot-spot.

Construction

This lens is rather compact. Because it is all metal, it is somewhat heavy at approximately 500 grams or one pound.

The size at f=28mm is not much shorter than the size at f=85mm. When focusing, its size does not change much until it enters "macro" mode when the focus extends exponentially. The zoom does NOT creep as the lens is pointed up or down. The 62mm filter threads DO ROTATE, so using a polarizer or graduated filter is challenging. If you set the focus and then need to screw a filter on be very careful not to modify the focus. With a focus throw of only about 40°, it is easy to focus beyond or behind the subject. Real care must be given when focusing.

MC stands for multicoated.

Specifications

Focal length	28-85mm
Maximum aperture	f/3.5-4.5
Minimum aperture	f/16-21
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups
Angle of view	75.4°-28.6°
Minimum focus distance	Approximately 0.6 m/2 ft (macro, f=85mm)
Maximum reproduction ratio	Approximately 1:5 (0.2×)
No. of diaphragm blades	5 (not rounded)
Filter-attachment size	ø62mm
Diameter x length	Approximately 64 x 93 mm/2.5 x 3.7 in.
Weight	519 g/18.3 oz.
Price	Unknown

Images

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